And so the story comes to an end. I feel both Hatori and Tohru deserved a happily ever after ending and so it is written. Please do not make the mistake of thinking Fruits Basket or the Fruits Basket characters are mine. I can wish but they never will be. They belong to Natsuki Takaya.
The plot of this fic and its original characters are mine and I have enjoyed writing this story. Hopefully it will be found to be simple yet heartwarming and will convey to each and every one of my readers my wishes for a "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
Take care, read and enjoy. I would really appreciate it if you would leave a review to let me know what you thought of the story now that it is finished. Thank you so much for taking the time to read.
Epilogue New Years Celebration
It was a year after Akito's death and a man and woman stood by a well-tended gravesite. Hatori smiled at the woman by his side as she placed a bouquet of flowers on the grave and sat out a picnic lunch on a brightly colored blanket. It was one of those sparkling winter days when the air is so crisp you wish you could breathe it forever. It was a cold day but the total opposite of the weather from a year ago.
"Thank you for taking me to Mom's gravesite Tori-san. It was wonderful to be able to greet her and let her see how happy I am. Thank you for making me the happiest woman in the world."
"Are you truly happy Tohru?"
"I am and somehow it seems right that we should be visiting Akito today as well Mom won't mind that we are celebrating with Akito instead of her."
Ayame and Shigure crossed the clearing to join the two of them. Shigure gave a rapturous sigh as he took a bite of the meal Tohru had prepared. "Ahhh…Tohru-kun my flower, what wonderful flavor and texture. This is wonderful. It's so good to taste your cooking again after so many years."
Tohru laughed delightedly. "I'm so glad you like it. You should come visit us in Koriyama if you like this. I'll be happy to cook for you and Ayame-san."
"Tohru, please don't encourage him…. he'll be freeloading often enough after the baby is born."
"Ha-san, you injure me!" Shigure's mock complaint brought another laugh around the blanket.
Tohru patted her stomach that was just beginning to round out. He'll be here in March, maybe he'll have the same birthday as little Ayame."
"Nothing would make me happier Tohru-kun as having a cousin for little Ayame that shares his birthday."
After the meal was finished, Tohru cleared up the dishes and folded the blanket. Hatori helped her to her feet. "We'll see you at New Year's Shigure and Ayame."
True to his word, Hatori and Tohru returned to Sohma house to help share the New Year's celebration. There was a lightheartedness and joy there that had not been present at past New Year's celebrations. As Tohru and Hatori walked into the banquet hall that was available to all guests, she gazed at the various faces. Yuki, Kyo, Momiji, Rin, Kureno, Haru, Kisa, Hiro, Ritsu, and Kagura were all there as well as Hatori and his two best friends. The families were there as well. As she gazed around the room it was as if a wall suddenly came crashing down in her mind. All of her memories of the times she has spent with the Sohmas returned and she laughed joyfully. "Tori-san, suddenly I remember everything! Isn't this wonderful! I remember everyone here and how special they were to me. I know they don't remember me, but that's okay."
Later that night as she stood in the courtyard with Hatori, he voiced a concern. "Tohru, now that you have your memories back, do you regret marrying me?"
Tohru looked at Hatori with stars in her eyes. "Tori-san, I will never regret falling in love with you. I remember everyone, but they are a part of my past memories. You are my present and I will always love you. Happy New Year Tori-san"
"Happy New Year Tohru." Hatori kissed her tenderly and together they went back to their room. Later that evening Hatori would have to attend the Zodiac banquet, but for now, it was just he and Tohru. They welcomed in the New Year with much joy as they lay in each other's arms.